For me personally a car with mods would be less desirable than one that has had track time. These cars are absolute weapons in stock form, and only someone who doesn't know what they're doing or is tracking HEAVILY will be modding them for that purpose. To be clear, mods that I would consider ok or reasonable street mods: some type of exhaust (personal preference), DSC shock controller, 4.0 engine rebuild by reputable company... these are all things that can be enjoyed on the road. Mods that I would consider not attractive: race coilovers, aftermarket suspension links, added cages, light weight body panels, clapped out brakes or elaborate brake modifications, aftermarket seats etc. Keeping in mind that the red flag type of mods can be removed before sale, so you still need to check for condition.

It's annoying to shop for a car that you know you are unlikely to get to drive beforehand. If you liked the 993, and wouldn't mind if the car was more modern and precise, the 997 GT3 is basically a base 993 times a thousand. When I was trying figure out what car to buy, and ultimately settled on 997 gt3, I watched a lot of car reviews on youtube. A lot of the review guys like matt farrah are kind of turnips, so instead of listening to the words they were saying about the car, I tried to watch their faces and see how much joy / enjoyment they were getting out of the car. Emotions are hard to hide, even if they do a bad job of describing what the car is actually doing.

I considered a GT4, but ultimately don't regret skipping the cayman. The 9A1 engine in the first cayman is pretty good, but it's definitely not a GT engine, and I know there were some failures. Maybe you could get one covered under CPO though, and that would eliminate all your concerns for surprise expenses.

You should give some thought about whether you want to live with center lock wheels or not. If you're not changing them often, the centerlocks look really clean, and the 3.8 engine makes more torque. Personally I HATE dealing with my centerlock wheels, but I like the .2 car better, and ultimately don't regret my decision.

Finally, Doug from switch cars used to offer a finder's fee based service for cream puff cars. I assume he still does. I would definitely consider this option if you're willing to spend a little more up front to make sure you get a clean example. This probably puts less pressure on the PPI accuracy, and less change of getting snaked during a deal.

 

go and see if there is someone local with a 997 GT3 and test drive it before getting one. A GT3 Touring is going to be a lot more refine and easier to live with than a 997.1 or .2. Ride on the 997s are a lot harder and the clutch is much heavier. If you drove a 991.2 and feels that it’s not “raw” or “old school” enough, then a 997 might be a good fit. But if you think the 991.2 is about as raw / uncomfortable as you want in a weekend car. Might want to look for a 991 GT3 instead. They are a lot easier to find with plenty on sale.

 

Agree @Bxstr does do a great job on threads including this one.

GT4's are doing fairly well on the resale market too. And they are a lot of fun. I get where you are coming from on the ROI concerns. Had I thought that way 20-25 years ago when I almost bought a 1997 NSX and avoided the Ferrari bug I would have well over a million dollars in the bank. Really closer to two. You're smarter than I am.

The 997 in all forms have been pretty much declared the best driver 911 ever, and with that comes desirability that I see increasing, not decreasing. Now being real about it, how much would a GT4 go down in the few years you may own it? It might be better to buy the one that speaks to you.

I don't think you explained well how and where you plan to use the car though I gotta say both cars are pointed at the same target. GT3 clutch is heavy but it's good for my calf.

 

Good point. The car would only be for fun drives. No track time planned. This would be a second fun car. The plan is to share garage space with a C8 Corvette which is on order. If I were to find a GT3 it would probably not be driven more than a thousand miles a year.

 

what are the thoughts on this car?

https://www.switchcars.com/cars-for-...orsche-911-gt3

 

I think it looks nice but perhaps I would ask that question in the for sale thread. Some members know these cars for years back and are very willing to help. Or make a new thread asking that question.

 

I think this is the best example of a .1 for sale right now. Doug being the seller is also a great bonus.

 

I know this car personally and the previous owner well. Remember right after he bought it in 2012 (or around then). He takes care of his cars to the highest standard. I’d have no hesitation buying that car. Holds a special place to me as it was my first ride in a GT3.

 

Well there you go. @Bxstr as others have said you are such a great member. Super smart posts and always on target.

 

Thanks Kevin! That's much appreciated and so are you and so many other members.

Joe

 

@696 where did you land with your decisions?

Have you taken delivery of your C8 Corvette? ... and/or did you buy a GT3?

 

I think he ended up buying a glacier white 993 from some recent posts he has. Congrats! 993's are amazing cars.

 

Didn’t pull the trigger on a GT3 sadly and they continue to get more expensive, so probably won’t happen. I do have my eye on a 993 though. Hopefully the C8 makes it to me in May or June. I’ve been waiting on it since last June. I refuse to pay over sticker for a Corvette, so its a long wait.

 

I did, but that’s a long story…I’m waiting around on another 993 that hopefully works out.

 

Best of luck - yes my mistake. Didn't realize that one didn't work out.